The New York Yankees are really trying to do the best they can in this offseason with every player available, even if it means going back to a former player. But it won’t be so easy because the Mets, the Cubs, and the Tigers, being in the same league, can’t let the Yankees go ahead of them.

In a recent report by the SleeperMets, they updated, saying, “The Yankees, Cubs, Mets, and Tigers are the most interested clubs in former Padres SP Michael King.”

Michael King continues drawing interest from the Yankees, Mets, Tigers, and Cubs. Analysts project contracts between 3 years 57 million and 3 years 75 million.

King posted a 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings during his breakout season in 2024. He also finished 7th in NL Cy Young voting, which boosted his profile. A shoulder nerve issue limited him to 15 starts this season. Despite the setback, his 28 percent strikeout rate remained an important signal stat.

The New York Yankees and New York Mets need rotation help and view King as an important pitching piece. The Detroit Tigers seek a proven arm because Tarik Skubal lacks a clear number two. The Chicago Cubs continue exploring options while their rotation depth and health remain uncertain entering winter.

Every interested team understands the risks of his injury, yet believes his production could shift contention timelines.

Michael King now sits in a market where patience feels expensive, and urgency feels louder. The Yankees, Mets, Tigers, and Cubs will not watch quietly if the price climbs. If King signs soon, one fanbase will celebrate, and three will search for excuses.

The other alternatives for the Yankees if they miss out on Michael King

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about the Yankees, it’s that they never panic. At least, that’s the story they’d like everyone to believe. So if Michael King slips away, Brian Cashman won’t stare into the Bronx abyss wondering where it all went wrong. No, he’ll pivot, posture, and pretend this was the plan all along.

If the New York Yankees miss out on Michael King, they could turn to Joe Ryan and Freddy Peralta as solid alternatives. Joe Ryan brings two more seasons of team control with the Minnesota Twins and logged a 3.42 ERA in 171 innings last season. Freddy Peralta, meanwhile, has one year remaining on his contract and offers an $8 million club‑option for 2026, making him a cost‑effective rotation upgrade candidate.

Landing either Ryan or Peralta would give the Yankees a dependable starter capable of making a real difference. Ryan’s strikeout rate and control metrics match up well against MLB’s top arms. Peralta’s recent track record includes a 2.70 ERA and over 200 strikeouts across 176⅔ innings, elite production at a modest contract cost.

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This injection of quality pitching could help stabilize the rotation and give fans tangible hope.

If Brian Cashman moves decisively for Ryan or Peralta, the Yankees avoid a panic narrative entirely. These signings could quietly become some of the smartest acquisitions the Bronx has managed recently. Fans might finally cheer knowing King’s absence won’t leave the rotation limping through another long season.